consecrated with a drooping wreath

and maidenly hair

flax and rye straw

flowing down her back

nettle cloth shift

lovingly stiched

pale blue overdress

of long-distance silk

they bring a white horse for the wedding

they bring untold gifts

caprison with gilded bells

from a faraway prince

they bring rich fur from a defeated brother
claws and teeth as proof

golden rings to bind her hands
a jeweled choker for her throat

a wilting crown of forest flowers
sliding to the ground
a step into the singing water
farewell to kith and kin
and wilder kind

they laid her out on the fur and said
why did she drown, why is she dead?